The Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Manipulation: Transgenic Animals

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Manipulation: Transgenic Animals

Introduction

Over the last few years, technology has been constantly developing; it has developed to the point where manipulating genes are possible; mainly used to benefit both ourselves and the society. Genetic Manipulation also commonly known as genetic engineering or genetic modification, according to the dictionary, is defined as the ‘scientific alteration of the structure of genetic material in a living organism to produce specific results in an organism’. Biotechnology, defined as ‘the use of microorganisms to perform specific industrial manufacturing process’ is one of the more common use of Genetic Manipulations. This essay will outline the advantages and disadvantages of one of the categories of biotechnology, the genetic manipulation of animals, Transgenic Animals.

How are Transgenic Animals Made

Two of the most common methods to produce Transgenic Animals are the embryonic stem cell method and the Pronucleus method. Both methods are shown in diagram 1.

The embryonic stem cell method as shown in diagram one method 1 is when stem cells are selected to form a gametocytes and implanted into the uterus of the foster mother. While the Pronucleus method as shown in diagram 1 method 2 is when the desired DNA is fused with the male Pronucleus and created into a new DNA. It is then implanted into the uterus of the foster mother. For both methods, the foster mother, after several weeks will give birth with the offspring, creating a new individual with the gene desired.

Advantages

Transgenic Animals have a numerous amount of advantages and have benefited our society in the past few years both economically and medically. The most beneficial ...

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...pidly to the point where the harms would soon disappear, and that it will continue on helping solve and develop more cures to diseases.

Conclusion

As animals might soon be extinct and disappear from this world in a rapid rate due to the technology that we, humans have developed and is continuing to develop. With the use of Transgenic Animals, we will no longer be burdened by only using technology to live our lives. The lower classes of society where they are poor will be able to gain money as well simply by using Transgenic Animals. Although there are consequences like placing the original gene or the organism at risk from being extinct, we can fix this simply by taking more care of the animals used, or breeding the original gene more. Therefore, Transgenic Animals, no matter the consequences and disadvantages, will and has brought us more benefit than harm.